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Common Construction Site Accidents in Illinois (Part A)

Anyone who works in construction knows that there are dangers inherent in the job. Though no one ever expects to be injured or to lose a loved one in an Illinois construction accident, construction accidents are alarmingly common and can have life-altering or fatal consequences.

Because of the variety of dangers that exist on an Illinois construction site, there are several different types of commonly experienced construction site accidents.

Scaffolding Accidents

Scaffolding, a type of temporary elevated platform, allows workers to do their jobs on buildings above the ground; an essential function in the construction industry. According to the United States Department of Labor, 65% of all construction workers use scaffolding in their jobs. A number of different types of scaffolding are used at construction sites, including:

• Ÿ Ladder jack scaffolds;
• Ÿ Pump jack scaffolds;
• Ÿ Trestle ladder scaffolds;
• Ÿ Multi-level scaffolds; and
• Ÿ Two point adjustable scaffolds.

Causes of scaffolding accidents can include:

• Ÿ Lack of safety training;
• Ÿ Ignoring training;
• Ÿ Lack of fall protection;
• Ÿ Overloading;
• Ÿ Poor construction;
• Ÿ Falling debris; or
• Ÿ Product failure.

Some victims are able to walk away from scaffolding accidents with minor injuries. Others may suffer more severe injuries including brain damage or spinal cord injuries. For others, scaffolding accidents result in fatal injuries.

Elevator Shaft Accidents

According to the Center for Construction Research and Training, elevator and escalator accidents result in 17,000 serious injuries every year in the United States.

Almost 50% of the deaths of those working on or near elevators are caused by falling down elevator shafts. Injuries or death from elevator shaft accidents can also be caused by:

• Ÿ Getting caught between an elevator and a door;
• Ÿ Being struck by an elevator;
• Ÿ Poor safety training;
• Ÿ Ignoring safety training; or
• Ÿ Elevator collapse.

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